Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)

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What is Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is cancer that starts in the lymphatic tissue. The main types of cells involved in anaplastic large cell lymphoma are white blood cells called T cells and null cells.

There are lymph nodes in various parts of the body. Lymph nodes produce and store lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infection. The 2 main types of lymphocytes are T cells and B cells. Lymphocyte that does not contain the receptors of either mature B cells or T cells is called null cell. When these cells undergo changes and do not behave in the normal manner, lymphoma may result.

Lymphomas are divided into two large groups: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is classified under non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In anaplastic large cell lymphoma, the cancer cells are mainly of T cell and null cell types. Some HIV-related cases involve B cells.

Who gets Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma accounts for about 2% of lymphomas, but represents 12% of childhood lymphomas. Patients are often young when they go to see the doctor for the disease, and it is more common in male.

Predisposing Factors

The exact cause of anaplastic large cell lymphoma is unknown.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma more common in male.

Genetic changes may be present. In some patients, there is an overexpression of a protein called anaplastic lymphatic kinase (ALK); in other words, an excessive amount of ALK is shown on the cells.

Progression

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma progresses very quickly to an advanced stage. Approximately half of the patients are diagnosed when anaplastic large cell lymphoma is at an early stage (Stage I or II), but the remainding half are diagnosed when anaplastic large cell lymphoma is at an advanced stage.

The staging of anaplastic large cell lymphoma is according to:

Stage I: when the disease involves only one lymph node region or lymphatic structure.
Stage II: when it involves 2 or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm (either above or below the diaphragm).
Stage III: when the disease involves 2 or more lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm.
Stage IV: when there is involvement of body structures outside the lymph nodes.

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